Ottawa football fans have reason to get excited this offseason, the REDBLACKS have signed American running back Greg Bell to a two-year deal, adding a new weapon to their ground game ahead of the 2026 CFL season.
Who Is Greg Bell?
Greg Bell is an American running back who brings a blend of speed and physicality to the Ottawa backfield. Running backs with Bell's profile are valued in the CFL for their ability to both carry the ball between the tackles and contribute as a receiving threat out of the backfield, a versatile skill set that Canadian football's wide-open style rewards handsomely.
While the REDBLACKS haven't released full contract details, locking Bell in for two years signals the organization sees him as a core piece of their offensive plans, not just a depth signing.
Building for the Future at TD Place
For Ottawa fans who pack TD Place on game days, this is the kind of move that builds cautious optimism. The REDBLACKS have been working to strengthen their roster on multiple fronts this offseason, and adding a proven American running back to a multi-year commitment suggests the front office is serious about fielding a competitive squad.
Running backs can be game-changers in the CFL. The wider field, the motion rules, and the single-back formations used across the league put a premium on backs who can make defenders miss in open space, and a two-year deal gives Bell time to learn the system, build chemistry with the offensive line, and grow into a fan favourite at Lansdowne.
Ottawa's CFL Faithful Will Be Watching
Ottawa has a passionate CFL fanbase, and signings like this one generate real buzz in the community. Whether you're a season ticket holder who hasn't missed a home game in years or a casual fan who catches games at a Glebe pub, the REDBLACKS' roster moves matter. The team has seen its ups and downs in recent seasons, and every positive signing adds a little fuel to the hope that this could be the year things click.
Bell will get the chance to make his mark in front of Ottawa fans, and if he can contribute the way the front office expects, he could quickly become a household name in the nation's capital.
What's Next
With the 2026 CFL season on the horizon, expect the REDBLACKS to continue rounding out their roster in the weeks ahead. Training camp will be the real test. That's where Bell will have the chance to prove he belongs in the starting conversation and show Ottawa what a two-year investment looks like in action.
Stay tuned to REDBLACKS official channels for more roster news as the offseason rolls on.
Source: Ottawa REDBLACKS official announcement via Google News.
